Olympiacos lands in Crete: Jan Montero is the focal point, EuroLeague ambitions reignited

The Nikos Kazantzakis airport did not sleep in early September. When the plane carrying the Olympiacos squad touched down, hundreds of Crete fans had already filled the area for hours. They were not there to watch a practice; they were there to welcome their heroes – the team ranked No. 1 in Europe in the EuroLeague summer power rankings. The festive atmosphere was everywhere, but for me, the most notable moment was not the crowd's frenzy. It was the way Jan Montero – the expensive newcomer – stepped off the bus, smiled, and signed every jersey presented to him. He was not just a new signing; he was a statement of the collective ambition. "Olympiacos is a challenge and I like challenges," Montero said briefly before entering the tunnel. That statement, to me, was not just a courtesy. It was a signal that the Uruguayan player understands the pressure awaiting him at one of Europe's most tradition-rich clubs. The context of this trip is clear: Olympiacos will participate in the Crete IBT preseason tournament, where they will face formidable opponents like Fenerbahçe, Red Star Belgrade, and Armani Milano. These are not routine friendlies; they are a real test for their EuroLeague championship ambitions. According to the EuroLeague summer power rankings, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 – an acknowledgment that the two Greek basketball giants are leading the race before the season begins. But I always view such rankings with a skeptical eye. History shows that only about 40% of teams ranked top-2 in the summer finish the season in the top-4. Public confidence is one thing; on-court reality is another. The most important bright spot before the tournament is the return of Milutinov. Initially, the Serbian center left with a discouraged mood, raising concerns about a serious injury. But he has returned and is ready to play. This has immense tactical significance: Milutinov's presence under the basket is the foundation of Olympiacos' entire defensive system. Without him, their defense would lose the last line of protection against direct attacks. Tactically, this tournament will be the perfect laboratory for coach Giorgos Bartzokas to experiment with lineups. With the arrival of Montero, a player capable of creating and scoring from multiple positions, the biggest question is: will he be given full freedom in the offensive system or will he be forced into a rigid framework? I have followed many Olympiacos games over the years, and I recognize a pattern: this team operates best when they have a clear pace setter. Montero could be that person, but he needs time to adapt to the pace and space of European basketball – something completely different from what he experienced in South American leagues. Another aspect I noticed is the fervor of the Crete fans. In Greek basketball culture, such a warm welcome often creates a psychological "home-court advantage" feeling, even in neutral venues. This can boost player confidence, but it also creates an invisible pressure: if they underperform, disappointment will come faster than in a place without high expectations. Looking at the schedule, the semifinal against Fenerbahçe on Friday (September 4) is the earliest and toughest test. Fenerbahçe has always been a well-organized team under their coach, and they will not easily give way. A win would solidify Olympiacos' contender status, while a loss could raise questions about the team's readiness. I believe this tournament should not be judged by win-loss results, but by how the team operates. Watch how they move without the ball, how they pass in pick-and-roll, and how they react under pressure. Those are the real signs that the team is ready for a long and grueling season. One blind spot I always look for in preseason games is how teams handle end-of-game situations. In friendlies, many teams tend to experiment and not prioritize results, but the decisive plays in the final minutes best reflect the team's composure and chemistry. I will pay special attention to how Olympiacos handles these situations. Milutinov's return also solves a major depth issue. With him under the rim, Bartzokas can be more confident in rotating the lineup, allowing bench players to get playing time without worrying about defensive collapse. This is especially important in a long EuroLeague season full of intense games. But there is a bigger question that no one in the Crete crowd asked: can this fervor be sustained throughout the season? Basketball is a harsh sport, and today's praise can quickly turn into criticism if results do not meet expectations. I have seen too many teams burned by the very expectations they created. As someone who has spent years following European basketball, I notice that the most successful teams are not swept away by praise. They maintain a cold focus and treat every game, including friendlies, as an opportunity to improve. Olympiacos seems to be on the right track with the addition of Montero and the return of Milutinov. I will not make hasty predictions based on preseason games. Basketball is a game of adaptation, and what works in September may not work in May. But one thing is certain: Olympiacos is entering the season with immense faith from their fans, and that is the best possible start. As I left the airport, I could not help but think of Montero's words. "I like challenges." That statement will be repeated many times this season, and the answer will not come from speeches, but from what happens on the court. That is where everything is decided. Crete is heating up, and European basketball is waiting for an explosive season.